5 Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills

Updated on October 19, 2014

Honing your skills...

Whether you have a school assignment, are an upcoming song writer or just enjoy writing short stories, this simple guide will help you achieve your potential. Keep a notebook and pen handy wherever you go so that you can practice these techniques on the bus or stopping to grab a bite to eat. Make it a habit to use these methods in every situation you find yourself. As they say, practice makes perfect.

Engage Your Reader

The best way to capture an audience is to make them feel they are a part of the show.

Who are you writing for?

How can you make it an emotional experience for them?

Are you giving them advice?

Are you trying to entertain them?

Ask yourself how you can help the reader participate, your writing should inspire others. Why should they listen to or care about what you say? Why is what you are writing important for them to hear?

Use synonyms and antonym

Nothing makes an article or an essay more boring than using the same words over and over again. Say you're writing a product review, you do not want it to look like this:

"I really enjoyed using this Burt's Bees product. This product really made my skin feel softer. If I could buy this product again I would. I recommend this product to anyone with dry skin."

This kind of mundane repetition is sure to make your reader fall asleep, IF they decide to finish the review in its entirety. Use a thesaurus or a dictionary to find words of the same meaning. Instead of using "product" again and again, use brand, invention, line, merchandise, or any other word that is similar in meaning. You'll expand your vocabulary with this method and fatten the composition of your paper.

Make A List

In order to become a distinguished writer you need to know what you want to write about. In your notepad jot down a list of subjects that you would find interesting to cover. The topic can be anything, Tutorials, Poems, Dog Breeds, Essays, Short Stories. Make a list of thing to do in your city, of authentic Mexican restaurants in the area, or maybe different car models. Anything that pops into your head should be taken down on paper. Always have a pen and paper handy in case you do get ideas. Even if its something small, it will help you to practice and grow your technique.

Look over what you've written and determine what subjects seem most appealing to you. Start with those but don't eliminate the ones that you find less compelling. You may want to use them later on if you run into a case of Writers-Block and need something fresh. In the meantime, begin to research the ones you've deemed adequate.

Keep a log

Recording your goals for the day will help you organize your thoughts. Setting a standard every day makes you strive to accomplish the things you wish to get done, ultimately improving the standard you set your writing to. Incorporate times and dates into your log and add your writing exercises into it. The log should look something like this:

And so on and so forth. Using this method will make you strive to succeed.

Use descriptive writing exercises

While you're sitting at the bus stop waiting for your bus to arrive, pay attention to what is going on around you. Write down everything you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Recording details is a great way to get ideas and play with your words.

"Today the sky is a pristine blue. There is a cool crisp breeze wafting through the open spaces of my clothing. The sun is luminous and high overhead. Birds flutter gaily through the luscious trees. "

Something similar to that effect. Use it at school, home, Mcdonalds, riding the bus, or hanging out at the skate park. Write down everything. Do this daily and you'll be well on your way to becoming a well-rounded writer.

Express yourself

Self expression is the best kind. Make a note when you have extreme feelings. Whether you are filled with rage, happiness, excitement, or anxiety write it all down. Write, write and keep on writing! Write until there's nothing left to say or until you run out of paper and ink. Say what you're feeling and why you feel that way. What prompted the emotion? What is it that makes you feel so strongly? You'll find yourself accompanied with new ideas and a fresh mind.

Happy journaling and good luck.

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